The Great Moment (1944) | American biographical comedy-drama film directed by Preston Sturges

"The Great Moment" is a 1944 American biographical comedy-drama film directed by Preston Sturges. The film is based on the life of Dr. William Thomas Green Morton, a dentist who played a pivotal role in the development of surgical anesthesia. While categorized as a biographical drama, Sturges' signature wit and humor are evident in the storytelling.

The film opens with Dr. William T. G. Morton (played by Joel McCrea), a dentist in the mid-19th century, struggling with his career and financial stability. Morton is determined to make a significant contribution to the field of medicine, and he becomes obsessed with the idea of finding a way to perform painless surgery.

Driven by his ambition, Morton experiments with various substances to achieve anesthesia, ultimately discovering the properties of ether. He convinces Dr. Charles Jackson (played by William Demarest), a charismatic but eccentric lecturer, to collaborate with him in presenting their findings to the medical community.

Morton's journey is marked by challenges, including skepticism from the medical establishment and financial difficulties. However, when he successfully uses ether to perform painless surgery in a public demonstration, he believes his moment of greatness has arrived.

The narrative unfolds through a series of flashbacks, framed by Morton's trial for patent infringement. The film explores Morton's relationships, including his romance with Elizabeth Whitman (played by Betty Field), and the ethical dilemmas associated with his pursuit of recognition.

Preston Sturges infuses the story with his trademark blend of humor and social commentary. Despite the serious subject matter, the film maintains a lighthearted tone, utilizing witty dialogue and comedic situations to engage the audience.

Joel McCrea delivers a compelling performance as the determined and sometimes flawed Dr. Morton, capturing both the character's passion for his work and the complexities of his personal life. The supporting cast, including William Demarest and Betty Field, adds depth to the narrative.

Joel McCrea (Dr. William T. G. Morton): McCrea portrays the ambitious dentist with a mix of sincerity and humor, embodying the character's quest for recognition.
William Demarest (Dr. Charles Jackson): Demarest adds comedic flair to the film as Morton's eccentric collaborator.

While "The Great Moment" wasn't as commercially successful as some of Sturges' earlier works, it has gained appreciation over the years for its unique approach to the biographical genre. Sturges' ability to infuse humor into historical narratives and Joel McCrea's charismatic performance contribute to the film's enduring appeal for audiences interested in both history and classic Hollywood comedy.